Saving Lives and Limbs

Orthopedic surgeon helps patients with innovative technology

For years, orthopedic surgeon Kim Templeton, MD, has been working to save the arms and legs of cancer patients through new technology. She is the first doctor in the country to use the OsteoBridge® titanium implant to save the limbs of patients with bone cancer. She’s also done extensive research to ensure this treatment is safe and effective.

Before his thigh bone was destroyed by cancer, one patient had enjoyed a very active lifestyle. Among his favorite activities was hitting the links on the golf course.

Dr. Templeton determined the patient was a candidate for bone replacement using OsteoBridge. The titanium bone he received was strong enough to bear weight immediately. And over time, the patient’s own bone grows around it until the replacement is even stronger.

Until recently, the outlook for patients faced with severe bone damage from cancer wasn’t encouraging. But at The University of Kansas Hospital, academic medicine is saving limbs, restoring the quality of life for our patients and helping them get back on course.